Afghan International Gems Logo
Loading...

Who We Are

Who We Are

Afghan International Gems is a multinational and internationally recognized Gemstones Company, with expertise in natural fancy colored gemstones. The close-knit family business began in 1993 and is a prominent supplier to renowned jewelers, designers, manufacturers, and collectors worldwide. Our mission is to share uniquely cut raw and designed gemstones with you, while passionately inspiring and educating the industry about gemstones.

Who We Are

Who We Are

Afghan International Gems is a multinational and internationally recognized Gemstones Company, with expertise in natural fancy colored gemstones. The close-knit family business began in 1993 and is a prominent supplier to renowned jewelers, designers, manufacturers, and collectors worldwide. Our mission is to share uniquely cut raw and designed gemstones with you, while passionately inspiring and educating the industry about gemstones.

Founder

My name is Zia Ullah Afghan, and my journey with gemstones began long before I entered the academic world. Growing up surrounded by minerals and precious stones, my fascination with their colors, origins, and natural wonders grew into a lifelong passion. Today, as a trained Geologist and Gemologist, that passion has evolved into a dedicated profession rooted in knowledge, field experience, and a deep connection to the earth.

I completed my Bachelor’s in Geology from the University of Peshawar, Pakistan, which paved the way for advanced studies. Awarded a prestigious scholarship, I pursued my Master’s degree in Ore Deposits and Mining Engineering at Politecnico di Torino, Italy, one of Europe’s renowned engineering institutions. My academic work included extensive research in the Kunar Dara-i-Pech pegmatite fields of Northeastern Afghanistan, further strengthening my expertise in gemstone-bearing geological environments.

With over a decade of experience in the gemstone industry, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of gemology—from identifying and sourcing raw stones to evaluating quality, cutting, designing, and presenting fine gemstones. Each gem I work with carries its own history, beauty, and soul, and it is my mission to share that story with the world.

Through Afghan International Gems, I aim to bring collectors, jewelers, and gemstone lovers closer to the extraordinary beauty of natural colored stones. Every gem is more than a product—it's a journey from the heart of the earth to the hands of its admirer, shaped with care, expertise, and authenticity. My commitment is simple: to offer gemstones that inspire, captivate, and enrich every collection—one precious piece at a time.

Founder
Founder Secondary
Founder Tertiary
Co-Founder 1
Co-Founder 2
Co-Founder 3

Co-Founder

I am Inam Ullah Afghan, the younger brother of Zia Afghan, carrying forward a family legacy deeply rooted in the world of gemstones. Driven by a vision to make elegant, high-quality gems accessible to enthusiasts and collectors around the globe, I have dedicated over eight years to developing expertise in marketing and gemstone brokerage.

My journey has taught me the art of connection — linking miners, suppliers, and clients through trust, transparency, and exceptional service. I take great pride in helping individuals elevate their collections and style, offering guidance shaped by experience, industry knowledge, and a genuine passion for fine gemstones.

Beyond the business, I often travel to mining regions, personally selecting stones that meet our high standards. This hands-on approach not only reflects my passion, but also ensures that every piece we offer represents rarity, refinement, and authenticity.

Committed to excellence and inspired by the beauty of nature's treasures, my goal is to help bring remarkable gems from their source to those who will truly value them.

Co-Founder 1
Co-Founder 2
Co-Founder 3

Our History

Our family's journey into the world of gemstones began with our grandfather, a humble shepherd in 1980. One day, as he returned home from tending to his flock in the hills, he stumbled upon peculiarly colored stones along his path. Describing them to our grandmother, he likened their appearance to "flowers sprouting from a main stem" amidst the white rock. These stones, as it turned out, were Tourmalines and Kunzite nestled within Quartz, found within the widespread Granitoids of Dara-i-Pech Kunar, Afghanistan.

Initially, little attention was paid to these stones. However, over time, their peculiar yet captivating beauty gained recognition, particularly in Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. Capitalizing on this realization, our father and uncle ventured into the gemstone business prior to the 1990s. It was during this period that I entered the world, amidst the backdrop of unrest and civil strife, as we resided in Pakistan.

Recognizing the greater value of gemstones in Peshawar, Pakistan, they established an office in Namak Mandai, alongside another in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Thus, our family's legacy in the gemstone trade was born, rooted in the serendipitous discovery of beauty amidst the rugged landscapes of Afghanistan.

Our History 1
Our History 2
Our History 3
Our History 4
Our History 1
Our History 2
Our History 3
Our History 4
Our History 5
Our History 6

Our family's journey into the world of gemstones began with our grandfather, a humble shepherd in 1980. One day, as he returned home from tending to his flock in the hills, he stumbled upon peculiarly colored stones along his path. Describing them to our grandmother, he likened their appearance to "flowers sprouting from a main stem" amidst the white rock. These stones, as it turned out, were Tourmalines and Kunzite nestled within Quartz, found within the widespread Granitoids of Dara-i-Pech Kunar, Afghanistan.

Our History 1
Our History 2

Initially, little attention was paid to these stones. However, over time, their peculiar yet captivating beauty gained recognition, particularly in Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. Capitalizing on this realization, our father and uncle ventured into the gemstone business prior to the 1990s. It was during this period that I entered the world, amidst the backdrop of unrest and civil strife, as we resided in Pakistan.

Recognizing the greater value of gemstones in Peshawar, Pakistan, they established an office in Namak Mandai, alongside another in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Thus, our family's legacy in the gemstone trade was born, rooted in the serendipitous discovery of beauty amidst the rugged landscapes of Afghanistan.

Our History 3
Our History 4
Our History 5
Our History 6